Anytime you get a new prescription for your high blood pressure, be sure to read about it and its possible effects
All medications have side effects and blood pressure pills are no different. Millions across the world take these medicines fully knowing that they sometimes have mild or even no side effects. However, according to doctors, these must never be taken without a prescription.
How do blood pressure medicines work?
Medicines for high blood pressure prevent a range of complications, which include heart disease and stroke. Lotensin, Inderal, and Teveten are just some of the names a doctor may mention.
What are the side effects of taking blood pressure medicines?
While there are more medication options than ever for managing blood pressure levels today, a few side effects happen—like dizziness when you stand up—so, anytime you get a new prescription for your high blood pressure, be sure to read about it and its possible effects.
Here is what you need to know about each major type.
Diuretics
These medications flush extra water and salt from your body. Diuretics may cause these side effects:
- Extra urination
- Erection issues in men
- Weakness
- Leg cramps and severe fatigue
- Diuretics also sometimes decrease your body's potassium levels
Beta-blockers
These medicines make your heart beat less forcefully and slowly, and so, a few side effects include:
- Asthma symptoms
- Cold hands and feet
- Mental health issues like depression
- Erection issues
- Sleep issues
ACE inhibitors
These high blood pressure medications block the formation of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, so vessels relax. A few side effects caused by ACE inhibitors include:
- A dry, hacking cough that does not go away
- Skin rash
- Loss of taste
Calcium channel blockers
These medications keep calcium from entering your heart muscle and blood vessel cells so that your blood vessels can relax. CCBs lead to these side effects:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Irregular or very rapid heartbeat
- Swollen ankles
Alpha-blockers
Alpha blockers reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, leading to:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness when standing up suddenly
- Fast heart rate
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are great for relaxing muscles in the vessel walls, opening blood vessels, and allowing blood to flow better. These medications can lead to:
- Excessive growth of hair
- Fluid retention
- Headaches
- Irregular or very rapid heartbeat
- Aches and pain in your joints
- Swelling around your eyes
Combination medicines
Many people start high blood pressure treatment with just one drug—or your doctor may prescribe even two. If the first drug or combination does not get your blood pressure down enough, even with dosage increases, another medication can be added.
Sometimes, using two or three drugs will give you fewer side effects than continuing to raise the dose of a single drug. At other times, a combination can even raise your risk of side effects.
Ways to lower side effects from blood pressure medication
To mitigate the side effects of blood pressure medicines, always talk to your doctor first. It is not advised to stop a blood pressure medicine or change the dose without medical advice.
Some strategies you might try include:
- Always give your medicine some more time
- Keeping a side effect journal can help you see how, when, and how often the effects happen.
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying down, as it helps minimise dizziness and the risk of falling.
- Keep track of your potassium levels
- Always check your blood pressure at home
- Make some lifestyle changes, like reducing salt in your diet and increasing physical activity.
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